Mass Young Gunners

Player Information

Parent Commitment Letter

Soccer games are as exciting for some parents as they are for their children. That's great. For many of the spectators, however, soccer is a sport about which they know very little. They want to support the team, cheer for the team, and encourage their child. Occasionally, this enthusiasm combines with a parent's lack of familiarity with the game, or lack of knowledge of the Coach's instruction to the team, in a less than positive way.

We do not wish to curb your enthusiasm for the game. We do wish to make sure that your enthusiasm is

directed in such a way which will be helpful, complies with the rules of the game, and is consistent with the Coach's instruction to the team. In this spirit, please keep these suggestions in mind as you attend MASS YOUNG GUNNERS soccer games.

DO NOT YELL AT THE REFEREES - It is our goal to build not only good soccer players, but also good

sportsmen/sportswomen. Your positive, or negative, example at games will either greatly reinforce, or

significantly undermine that effort. The Coach or team captain has principal responsibility, although limited latitude, in speaking with the referee. Let them do their job. And finally, with respect to tournament play, often times one tournament team is given a special award for good sportsmanship. Your yelling and screaming at a game can do much to rob the children of an opportunity to earn such an award.

KNOW THE RULES OF THE GAME - Sometimes, parental ill will towards the referee is based upon

Parents’ misunderstanding of the rules of the game.  Common problems are application of the rules governing offside and illegal contact.

ENCOURAGE - DO NOT CRITICIZE - One of our goals is to help your child play good soccer. No less

important is our goal to make every effort to insure that your child has fun. If your child understands the

Club's high expectations, you can best help by confining your talk during the game to positive

encouragement. If possible, be quietly enthusiastic and supportive.

BE THERE - BE POSITIVE – DO NOT COACH - You can never hope to be an all-star parent unless you show

up at games. Regardless of the skill level of your child or the success of the team, go to the games and be supportive. Your job is not to be the coach or expert. Be a fan. On the sidelines, if you cannot say

something positive, do not say anything at all. Even though it is good to be positive, it's not good to over do it. Don't stick out. Be an admirer. Players should not confuse your voice with the public address system.

LET the PLAYERS Play; COACHES Coach, and the REFEREES Referee!!!!!!!!!!!

As the parent of a MASS YOUNG GUNNERS player, I recognize my responsibility to

encourage my son/daughter to fair play.

                             PLAYER / PARENT COMMITMENT LETTER

MASS YOUNG GUNNERS has selected your child to be a part of a growing team (herein referred to as Mass Young Gunners) We are pleased to offer you  a position on the team roster for the upcoming season. Within the rules of the MAPLE League, MASS YOUNG GUNNERS has the right to make adjustments (transfers) from team to team, and re-evaluate players progression throughout each season.

By signing this agreement, players and their families commit to make all fee payments on time. Players are expected to attend all practices and games during (both fall and) spring seasons. Occasional absences for unavoidable conflicts will be excused as long as the coach is notified in advance.

Also, you are acknowledging that MASS YOUNG GUNNERS is your primary soccer club/team.  Participating in other club’s activities will require permission from your MASS YOUNG GUNNERS coach. Exceptions are School soccer, Town soccer, and ODP.

By signing this contract, you agree that MASS YOUNG GUNNERS is your PRIORITY and will be your first choice if conflicts arise.

We understand that religious, academics, illness and injury are sufficient reasons to be excused from any of the above commitments. Games are scheduled during April school vacation. Playing time and positional play decisions are strictly the authority of the team coach. Players are encouraged to discuss their participation on the team with their coach. The term of this contract is Spring.

Possible tournament dates:

(1) late July/Aug tournament (2) Memorial Day weekend (4) state cups 1st 3 weekends in June (5) Regional 4th of July weekend. In addition, College Showcase tournaments during November, December, February, March and April vacations.

You are also responsible for unscheduled expenses incurred by your team over the course of the soccer year. These will be handled through your team manager, including things like additional tournaments, coaches’ fees, friendly matches with other club teams, indoor league fees, indoor rental fees for practices and practice outdoor field rental in the event of inclement weather.

All MASS YOUNG GUNNERS players are required to have a full game uniform, practice uniform, warm up and equipment bag purchased through the club. Players are expected to maintain this equipment at all MASS YOUNG GUNNERS practices and games.  Uniform fees are not included in MYG Cub fees.

Total MYG Club Fee for the season is $500.00. This cost will be broken down into 2 payments. The 1^st payment of $250.00 is due on or before November 1. The 2nd payment of $250.00 is due on or before February 1.  A $20.00 late fee will be assessed for all payments NOT received by these deadlines.

By signing below, I/we accept the terms of this agreement. I/we also consent to the release of information

including the players name, home town, school, team, honors and awards received, and/or photographs for use on the clubs web site and/or press.

Player Code of Conduct

Achieving a high level of sportsmanship from our players starts with each player.  Playing soccer for and membership in the Mass Young Gunners (MYG) is a privilege and not a right.  As with all privileges there comes the responsibility to maintain that privilege.  One of your player responsibilities is to conduct yourself in a way that reflects positively on yourself, your coach, your teammates, your family, MYG and the game of soccer.  Players who do not conduct themselves appropriately will be subject to discipline with MYG or its governing authorities and that could include removal from the Club.  Listed below are behaviors you are expected to exhibit at all times.

1.         I will observe the laws of the game at all times and the highest level of sportsmanship.

2.         I will control my language and not use foul or inappropriate language while participating in soccer related activities.

3.         I will never taunt, yell, gloat at opposing players and teams.

4.         I will treat my fellow teammates with respect and encouragement, not criticism.

5.         I will respect my opponents and shake hands at the completion of a game.  This may not always be easy depending on how the opposition conducts itself.  MYG players rise above the behavior of those who do not represent the game of soccer favorably.

6.         I will treat officials with respect and dignity.  I will remember that they are in control of the pitch (field) and acknowledge that they are human and will make mistakes.  Open confrontation with the officials in the end will not serve my team well.  The officials will have the last word even it if results in my being sent off the pitch.

7.         I will follow and learn from my coaches’ direction.

8.         I will work hard to improve my soccer skills.

9.         I will play hard and fair at all times.

10.      I will adhere to the highest standards and the regulations of MYG and its governing authority.  I will seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and will use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport, e.g. violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect, gossip and violations of the laws of the game and rules governing competition.

Parent Code of Conduct

Achieving a high level of sportsmanship from our players starts with the parents.  Membership in Mass Young Gunners (MYG) and attendance at all soccer events is a privilege and not a right.  As will all privileges there comes the responsibility to maintain that privilege.  One of your responsibilities as a parent or guardian is to conduct yourself in a way that reflects positively on yourself, your child, your child’s team, your family, MYG and the game of soccer.  Soccer is the player’s game.  Parents who do not conduct themselves appropriately will be subject to discipline with MYG and/or its governing bodies that could include removal from the MYG.  The Club is dependent on the parents to set an example for coaches, players, spectators and officials.  Listed below are behaviors you are expected to exhibit at all times.

1.         I will learn and follow the laws of the game at all times.

2.         I will remember that the game is for the players and not for the adults.

3.         I will recognize that soccer demands that my child make decisions on the pitch (field) and that my child will make and learn from mistakes.  Yelling instructions keeps my child from learning because it may be contrary to what the coach has told him and it may hinder him from making his own decision.

4.         I will control my language and not use foul or inappropriate language while participating in soccer related activities.

5.         I will have my child arrive on time for all practices and games.  I will notify the coach well in advance whenever there is a problem in attending a scheduled event.

6.         I will let the coach, coach and not yell directions and instructions from the sidelines.

7.         I will talk to the coach privately and not in front of others if issues arise.

8.         I will respect the opposing team and not cause or seek out any confrontation.

9.         I will respect the game officials and not make comments from the sidelines about decisions made on the pitch.  I will remember that they are in control of the pitch and acknowledge that they are human and will make mistakes.  Open confrontation with the officials in the end will not serve my child’s team well.  The officials will have the last word even if it results in my being ejected from the pitch or the area.

10.      I will only shout or speak words of encouragement from the sidelines and I will cheer for all players.

11.      I will not encourage any behavior that would endanger the health or well being of the athlete.

12.      I will value skill development, fair competition and effort.

13.      I will adhere to the highest standards and the regulations of MYG and its governing authority.  I will seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and will use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport, e.g. violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect, gossip and violations of the laws of the game and rules governing competition.

I have read and understood the MYG Parent Code of Conduct (this document).  I understand that any violation of this code may result in disciplinary action being taken against me.  This code of conduct will be enforced for the current soccer season.

I have read and understood Mass Young Gunners Player Code of Conduct (this document).  I understand that any violation of this code may result in disciplinary action being taken against me.  This code of conduct will be enforced for the current soccer season.